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The 12 Buzziest Acts to Watch at SXSW

Annual music, film, and interactive festival SXSW descends upon Austin, Texas, this week. The event has changed considerably in its 30-year run, drawing even more A-list talent with each passing year. Despite all the hullabaloo, the true draw card of South by Southwest remains the music lineup’s consistently promising roster of breakout stars. We just got to town, and people are already talking about which acts are not to be missed. Keep scrolling for our list of bands to know now.

WHAT: Nashville singer-songwriter Rayland Baxter is the son of country music great Bucky Baxter (Bob Dylan, R.E.M., Steve Earl). With his velvet-toned vocals, listful prose, and catchy country hooks, Baxter’s latest record, Imaginary Man, is one big Southern swoon, one we’ve had in heavy rotation.

WHAT: Having collaborated with everyone from Chance the Rapper to Kendrick Lamar, Bryan James Sledge, aka The Chicago Kid, is one to watch on the R&B scene. Check out his layered vocals and sublime, soulful aesthetic via his debut album, In My Mind.

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WHAT: This Brooklyn-by-way-of-Canada duo is producing some of our favorite tunes of the year. Their live set is self-described as “combining a DJ with a rock band.” Their painfully stylish video for “Tearing Me Up” is proof positive of their dramatic appeal. Dance floor vibes and killer vocals? All we need.

WHAT: Much talked-about foursome NYC band Wall, is currently being credited with the revival of punk rock. All attitude, tall, babe-ly band members and raw, exhilarating sound, they’re at the top of our list to catch live and in the flesh.

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WHAT: Dr. Dre’s latest protegé, Anderson .Paak, aka Brandon Paak Anderson, released his second studio record, Malibu, in January of this year just days before signing to Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. The California singer/rapper is on the verge of becoming a household name.

WHAT: L.A. locals Day Wave often draws comparison to indie favorite Animal Collective. Vocally the sound is less niche, more accessible. Their new EP,Hard to Read, just dropped. It’s perfect timing to say you knew them when.

WHAT: Aluna Francis and George Reid make up London electronic music duo AlunaGeorge. Signed to Interscope last year, their second studio album drops April 29. Their crossover success has been major and promises to incite a few dance parties throughout the week.

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WHAT: Mutually obsessed with The Velvet Underground, Jamie Hince and Alison Mosshart joined forces in 2000 upon exiting separate punk-pop bands. The critically acclaimed duo is back with their fifth studio album. Of all the marquee names at the fest, the pair’s lively stage antics and intensely compelling songwriting have them at the top of our list to catch on the road. We’re still talking about their new video.

WHAT: Signed to Matador Records in spring 2015, East London trio Hælos (Arthur Delaney, Dom Goldsmith, and Lotti Benardout) have the sort of trance-y, spellbinding sound that feels equal parts cinematic and mysterious. In his own words, Delaney asserts, “I guess at the heart of it we are always trying to capture that feeling you get at 5 a.m. Jamming with your friends after a night out, treading that fine line between darkness and euphoria, fear and love.” Sounds like the SXSW anthem.

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WHAT: American R&B recording artist Miguel’s third studio album, Wildheart, was one of the most talked-about albums of last year. According to Rolling Stone, the singer-songwriter’s latest remix EP invents a new genre: stoner beach-party country soul. We’re into that.

WHAT: British singer-songwriter/electronic music artist Holly Lapsley Fletcher goes simply by the stage name Låpsley, and we've been watching the songbird for some time now. Her debut full-length record, out this month, is filled with the her signature brand of sultry, ethereal tracks. We can’t wait to hear it live.